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Using Tape to Remove Warts

Topic Overview

Tape occlusion is an inexpensive method of wart removal that involves covering the wart with tape. It is often called the "duct tape" method.

  • Cut a piece of adhesive tape as close to the size of the wart as possible.
  • Leave the tape in place for 6 days. If the tape falls off, put on a new piece.
  • After 6 days, remove the tape and soak the area in water. Then gently rub the wart surface down with an emery board or pumice stone. Leave the tape off overnight.
  • Repeat this process until the wart is gone, but not longer than 2 months.

While covering a wart with tape may help it go away, research studies don't show clear proof that using duct tape helps to clear up warts more quickly than they would if left alone.1

References

Citations

  1. Loo SK, Tang WY (2009). Warts (non-genital), search date June 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised September 2, 2010

Last Revised: September 2, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

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